Cycling is about "Safe exercise" and "Safe low-emission travel" The Health and Fitness objective is UNDERMINED if the means of exercise is UNSAFE! This blog STRONGLY OPPOSES certain reforms VicRoads is currently considering: “cyclists could be allowed to treat red lights as Give Way signs. And the same could also APPLY at pedestrian lights."
Also "PERMITTING cyclists, riding cautiously, to proceed past a stationary tram;" "allowing teenagers to ride on footpaths"(Herald Sun)PDowe

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Punt Road, Melbourne 24 Hour "Clearways are expected to be in place by the middle of the year"The Andrews Labor Government will slash congestion on Punt Road with
the introduction of 24 hour clearways from St Kilda Junction to
Alexandra Avenue.Clearways will also be introduced for up to 100 metres on either side
of Punt Road at Alexandra Avenue, Toorak Road, Commercial Road and High
Street.On-street parking south of the Yarra River has caused traffic
frustration for decades – reducing two lanes to one and creating
unnecessary traffic chaos during non-peak times when parking
restrictions don’t apply.Motorists are currently sitting in traffic along Punt Road with
parked cars taking up a lane along this major north-south route. These
parked cars contribute to congestion, increase the likelihood of
accidents and slow down public transport.24 hour clearways on Punt Road will end bottlenecks and relieve
traffic congestion, improve safety, and provide more consistent and
reliable public transport.The introduction of 24 hour clearways follows extensive community
consultation undertaken last year by VicRoads which identified clear
support to extend clearways to ease congestion, improve traffic flow and
to boost safety for local residents.To off-set the loss of parking in the area, a number of nearby
VicRoads-owned sites have been identified where additional parking for
visitors, residents and businesses can be constructed.VicRoads will undertake a formal compulsory 60 day consultation with
local residents and businesses which will close on Sunday, 10 April
2016. Clearways are expected to be in place by the middle of the year.While the introduction of clearways is an immediate step towards
relieving congestion, the Government is also considering medium and
long-terms options to improve the operation of the vital north-south
route.These options will be investigated following the recommendation by
the Public Acquisition Overlay Independent Advisory Committee later this
year about the future of the current Public Acquisition Overlay on Punt
Road.Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews“Every Victorian knows the frustration of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Punt Road, even on the weekend or off-peak.” “We’re getting on with relieving that traffic congestion.”Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan “When you go to the footy finals this year, you’ll no longer be frustrated by being stuck behind a parked car on Punt Road.”“People who use public transport will no longer be stuck in traffic and enjoy a more consistent and reliable journey.”http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/24-hour-clearways-to-ease-punt-road-frustration/